Construction Begins on Century Bridge Closed Since 2020

CENTURY, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- After more than six-and-a-half years of detours, construction has finally started on replacing Century's Freedom Road Bridge.

Crews began work Monday on the bridge just east of Jefferson Avenue.

The structure has been closed since Jan. 29, 2020, when inspectors discovered serious deterioration underneath the wooden bridge. Several pilings were no longer properly supporting the structure, with some split or severely deteriorated.

Century has spent years trying to assemble enough funding to replace it.

Florida lawmakers included $1.257 million for the project in the 2023-24 state budget, but rising construction costs delayed the work. After engineering, design and other expenses, approximately $1 million of that funding remained.

Escambia County commissioners agreed in July to contribute another $191,934 from District 5 Local Option Sales Tax discretionary funding.

Century originally awarded F&W Construction Company a contract worth more than $1.6 million. The project was subsequently reduced to approximately $1.29 million by eliminating some services and options.

Crews are beginning by relocating natural-gas, water and sewer lines currently supported by the existing bridge. Once those utilities are moved, the old structure can be demolished.

Plans call for a new 26-foot-long, single-span bridge. The project also includes roadway reconstruction, asphalt, guardrails, striping and signs.

The contractor has 280 days to complete the project, weather permitting.

The current target completion date is July 26, 2027.